Home Office

Counter-terrorism

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will ensure that the UK continues to have access to EU security agreements and policing protocols used to combat terrorism following withdrawal from the EU.

Mr Ben Wallace: The Government continues to work closely with European partners, as with other international allies, to combat the threat from terrorist groups. That includes strong bilateral cooperation and the continued use of a range of EU tools that contribute to keeping our citizens safe. Following the referendum, the UK retains its rights and obligations as a full member of the EU, up to the point at which we exit.The Government is clear that effective cooperation with EU Member States on security and policing in order to combat terrorism will continue to be a UK priority, and key partners have confirmed their commitment to continue to work closely in an area where the UK has played a key role in advancing European capability.As part of the exit negotiations, we will need to consider the full range of options to ensure effective cooperation after the UK leaves the EU. This will include taking into account the evolving nature of the terrorist threat we face.